Israelis head to elections with Netanyahu’s legacy on the line

Israelis are voting in a pivotal election Tuesday as their country wrestles with unresolved wars, continues to reel from Hamas’ 2023 attack and is deeply divided over the character of the state and the right person to lead it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who voted just after midday, faces an array of parties seeking to oust Israel’s longest-serving premier from power. Opinion polls have suggested a tight race with his main rival, former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Over 7 million people are eligible to vote, and tens of thousands have reportedly arrived from overseas.“This is a very moving and fateful moment,” Netanyahu said. He told journalists after voting that he believes the Arab parties that could make or break the election “are receiving massive, truly massive, support. They are heading to the polls in unprecedented numbers.” He urged supporters to forget about the beach or the barbecue and vote. Story continues below advertisement More than 31 per cent of Israelis voted by noon, the highest voter turnout by midday since 1977, according to figures by the Central Elections Committee.Inside Israel, the race is largely about security and who should serve to defend the co...